Landuse Pattern and Landcover of Akure Forest Reserve and Its Environs

Abstract

This study investigated the pattern of land use and land cover of forest reserve in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Currently, deforestation constitutes one of the global development challenges. The broad objective of this study is to identify land use and land cover class within the study area using satellite imagery (ies) to determine the rate/trend of change of this Forest Reserve from 1988 to 2018. The research method includes the use of Geographical Positioning System, and processing of field data through GIS and Remote sensing tool (ILWIS). The research was able to identify various land use and land cover within the Akure forest reserve with the help of GIS and remote sensing tools, the boundary of Akure forest reserve and its environs was delineated, and further result of the classification of Landsat shows that as at 2018 the forest reserve is covered with majorly light vegetation with 51.79%. The study recommended that there Department of Forestry and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development must ensure Policy that will encourage local people and institutional participation in forestry management and conservation along with safeguarding indigenous people’s traditional rights and tenure with rightful sharing of benefits. Original Research Article Ojo et al.; IJECC, 9(12): 852-861, 2019; Article no.IJECC.2019.069 853